Foreword / Spring 2024

Welcome to our exciting new-look On The Level!

In this issue, we’re taking a look at bipolar representation in the arts and media, with a special feature by Gillian Sheriff-Collins focusing on the connections between bipolar and creativity, and Bipolar Scotland members reviewing Channel 4’s new comedy-drama series Big Mood, starring Nicola Coughlan as a woman living with bipolar.

We’re also interested in how you feel about the world of work: as our development team begins putting together a toolkit which we hope will help employers support members of their workforce living with bipolar, we’d love to hear from you - see our Is It Working For You feature on page 20.

We turn the spotlight on volunteering this issue: meet our new Volunteer Development Officer Tom Robertson and hear a bit about how much Bipolar Scotland as an organisation depends on our volunteers.

In Research Corner, the University of Edinburgh’s research team investigate how new developments in wearable technology might be able to help people living with bipolar; our regular columnist David Carr, meanwhile, is reflecting on the negative aspects of being public about living with bipolar.

Finally, Victoria Reid looks into recent reports about dwindling numbers of psychiatrists in Scotland and asks what it means for the patients.

So, lots to get your teeth into! As ever, if you’d like to contribute a piece of writing to On The Level, please do get in touch by emailing kirstini@bipolarscotland.org.uk

Our next edition will be out on Wednesday 31 July; we need all contributions in by Monday 15th July.

Kirstin Innes Editor

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in On the Level are not necessarily those of Bipolar Scotland.

Submissions: If you would like to submit a piece of writing, a photo or an idea to be considered for future issues of On the Level please get in touch with Kirstin Innes:kirstini@bipolarscotland.org.uk

We would also love your feedback about On the Level, Send us an email or reach out to us on social media. You can find us on Instagram at: @bipolar_scotland and Facebook at /BipolarScotland1

©Bipolar Scotland 2024 Scottish Charity No. SC021705 Company No. 163305

T: 0141 560 2050 E: info@bipolarscotland.org.uk bipolarscotland.org.uk